The scenic retirement villa of a scholarly samurai
Shisendo Temple is in Kyoto's northern Rakuhoku district, a less-traveled part of the city. For those looking to escape the crowds of more high-profile attractions, Shisendo offers a tranquil experience. Shisendo's name translates as “hermit's retreat,” which fits the place well.
Former samurai, Chinese classics scholar, and landscape architect Ishikawa Jozan built the place in 1641 as a retirement villa. It features a collection of 36 portraits of ancient Chinese poets.
How to Get There
You can reach the temple by bus or train.
From Kyoto Station, take bus #5 to Ichijoji-kudari-matsumachi bus stop. The temple is about a seven-minute walk from there. From Demachiyanagi Station, take the Eizan Main Line to Ichijoji Station. It is about a 15-minute walk east from there.
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A serene garden
The temple is known for its Tang-style (Chinese landscape) garden, which is especially beautiful in the spring when filled with bluish-purple satsuki azaleas. The pruning of these flowers makes them evocative of mountains, where the white sand evokes the sea, adding to the serene charm of the garden.
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Winter wonderland
If you happen to visit in the winter, you might get lucky and see the garden at its most magical dusted with snow.
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* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.